The Proliferation of Chemical and Biological Weapons: Past, Present and Future

The number of states possessing or seeking chemical and biological ( CB) weapons has declined in recent years because of increased adherence to the two international treaties banning these categories of arms. Nevertheless, the changing nature of warfare in the 21st century, combined with the dramatic advances in chemistry and the life sciences, could alter the perceived military utility of CB weapons. For this reason, it is vital to enhance the effectiveness of the CB disarmament treaties by strengthening their implementation at the national and international levels.